Description

Blood concentrations of arsenic are elevated for a short time after exposure, after which arsenic rapidly disappears into tissues because if its affinity for tissue proteins.Absorbed arsenic is rapidly distributed into tissue storage sites with a blood half-life of <6 hours. Unless a blood specimen is drawn within 2 days of exposure, arsenic is not likely to be detected in a blood specimen. Urine is the preferred specimen for assessment of arsenic exposure.

Pre-Information

Patient should avoid eating sea food and herbal supplements for 3 days prior to sample collection. If Gadolinium or Iodine containing contrast media has been administered, the specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.